doi:10.1093/ndt/gfh1095 Once weekly treatment with epoetin-b

Studies have shown that both intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of epoetin-b therapy are effective and well tolerated in the treatment of renal anaemia; however, the s.c. route provides enhanced efficacy with a lower dose compared with the i.v. route and it is more cost-effective. Epoetin dosing frequency is an important issue for health care professionals and patients. Recent studies have shown that epoetin-b administered once weekly and once every 2 weeks can maintain stable target haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in dialysis patients. Such reduced dosing frequencies may improve patient satis-faction and compliance with treatment, and encourage patients to self-administer. Furthermore, less frequent dosing administration would be associated with eco-nomic benefits in terms of reduced nursing time in the clinic or out-patient setting. Where this is clinical practice, fewer injections and visits to the clinic should also improve patients ’ quality of life. A range of effec-tive dosing regimens with epoetin-b administered via either pre-filled syringes, multidose vials or injector pens allows physicians to tailor treatment to an individual patient’s preference